Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany is an historical novel written by Christoph Fischer. The author based this novel on the actual life and experiences of Ludwika Gierz. In the later part of 1939, Ludwika was 22 years old and the unwed mother of a five-year-old daughter, who followed her around constantly. Ludwika’s parents had welcomed the child and been supportive of their daughter, but her father had left the town of Przedborow with the armed forces and hadn’t been heard of since. While Ludwika still sang for the local children and delighted in their company, as they did in hers, she couldn’t help but feel troubled at the increasingly fragile hold her family seemed to have on their farm and life. The wheat was almost past the time for harvesting, and she and her sister worked feverishly to harvest it by hand, but they did need help with moving it. They knew that a neighboring farmer had hidden his agricultural equipment, and Ludwika decided to break into the barn and commandeer a tractor. While she was riding it back to their farm, a German officer on a motorbike overtook her and ordered her off the road. Moments later, a convoy of German vehicles passed by. The two had exchanged names during that brief encounter, and Manfred would later come by the Gierz farm to meet with her, until finally he made a proposal for her to come and stay with him in Germany. It would be safer for her, and he promised to get her documentation attesting to her Germanic background. It was hard leaving her family, but, somehow, Ludwika believed it was her best chance to do something for all of them, and she took it.

Christoph Fischer’s historical novel, Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany, offers a little-known look into the impact the occupation of the Germans had on the lives of the Polish people during World War II. While I’ve read a great deal of historical literature focusing on that time, I still found much I hadn’t known about that occupation and the difficulties the survivors faced in the aftermath of the war. I soon found myself wrapped up in Ludwika’s story as she learned to survive in Berlin, where the mandatory letter P on her sleeve meant she’d always be considered an inferior, and her strength and resilience throughout those years of turmoil are inspirational. Fischer’s tale is well written, and his characters are unforgettable, especially Ludwika’s friend and mentor, Fritz, and Luca, the Italian-Dutch man who captured her heart. Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany is most highly recommended.

Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi GermanyIt’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and ‘The Black Eagle Inn’ in October 2013 – which completes his ‘Three Nations Trilogy’. “Time to Let Go”, his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller “The Healer” was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.

He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

I’ve been somewhat quiet of late on here about my own books and projects, and I was so for a good reason. Organising The Llandeilo Book Fair has taken up a lot of my time and I shall be getting even busier in the next few weeks in the run up to the event, promoting it in the real and in the cyber world. For those of you living in Wales, I would love to see you there on April 30th! It’s a beautiful town and there’ll be over 20 great writers exhibiting their work.

In other news: I’ve just sent my latest project off to the beta readers: It is a silly murder mystery, set in the UK countryside during a heavy snow fall.I’ve worked on this book since 2012 when I was snowed in and cut off from civilisation for several days. It’s taken many attempts and a lot of pep talk to finally finish it. Now I’m nervously awaiting the verdict as this is my first attempt at comedy and at “cosy”, and quite a big step out of my comfort zone. Fingers crossed that my test audience thinks this is good enough for me to keep working on it. I had a great time writing it, but humour is very personal and am not sure it is the right book for me to publish. Maybe I’ll do it under a pen name…

Also in the pipeline in a charity project in aid of the Santa Paula No Kill Animal Shelter in California http://www.santapaulaarc.org/. You all know how much I love dogs and this shelter does such amazing work, that I decided to release my next book in aid of them.My new novel “African August” will be part of a multi-author box set, which will include work by the amazing Nathan Squiers, DeAnn Townes, Gillian Joy and Robert Warr.My novel is an adventure story, a part thriller, part drop-out fantasy and is also very close to my heart.I wrote it in 2011 while still working for an airline, using a lot of my travel experiences in Africa.It is about a British lawyer who packs in his job and goes to Africa to do some good and have some adventures.

The book is in the final stages of editing and we’re hoping to release it this spring.

I’ve also contributed two short stories about my youth to a sequel to LA Punk Rocker. That bok was one of my favourite reading pleasures last year and brought back a lot of rebel memories. I am thrilled to be published in the same volume as Brenda Perlin and Alan Wynzel. I hope the anthology will hit the shelves in May.

In August I will be attending an author event and book signing in Manchester – where you have another opportunity to meet me https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hKGVjhhJDCYHUUy38OUzdB8SiGyhXds3qCdVDCLZWfU/viewform?fbzx=5943412570039297000

In September I will be attending my first Writer’s Conference with the Historical Novel Societyt in Oxford.

Over one month on since my free promotion of Ludwika and the book is still in the biographical charts and the reviews are still coming in. I woke up to a staggering 10 new reviews on Amazon. Thanks to the reviewers for taking the time to let others know how they felt about the book.

Ludwika was an engaging heroine. It added extra interest that the story was based on real life. It also opened a window on the Second World War from the Polish point of view which I found fascinating. I learned a lot from this book, as well as enjoying the read. I shall be reading more by Christoph Fischer in the future.

This story, based on a real person during the Second World War, is an eye-opener.How would we act under similar circumstances? Ludwika was a survivor and did what she had to do to survive. It isn’t always pretty, but it is touching.

I loved this book. Fischer did a masterful job of taking the reader through this young woman’s struggles, hardships, and very difficult decisions during the second world war. I would love to read more of this genre.

This book is about the harrowing and disturbing incidences that happened to a Polish family and one girl in particular when the Germans and Russians invaded Poland. It is not an autobiographic book, but it is based on a real person and real events in WWII. To survive, Ludwika and her family have to learn German, a particular German officer seemingly takes a liking to Ludwika, promising to make her his wife and take her to Germany, but there is no room to take her small daughter. Believing that she can make it better for her family and her daughter, Ludwika leaves behind all she has ever known to embark on a life promised but will it really happen? More awaits, her life in Germany will not be sunshine and flowers. However, Ludwika is a strong individual, but her like as she knew it, will never be the same. I enjoyed the book.

Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.Get the book at your Amazon store: http://bookShow.me/1519539118Find it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LudwikaNovel/and on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28111001-ludwi

Comments Off on #Sale : “Ludwika” is #free on kindle until Jan 22nd #freeonkindleNews

LUDWIKA: A POLISH WOMAN’S STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE IN NAZI GERMANY IS #FREE ON AMAZON: UNTIL JANUARY 22.

GO GET IT!

Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Find it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LudwikaNovel/

and on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28111001-ludwika

I’m extremely hopeful for this book: It has done better than all my previous books in pre-sales and it surprisingly sold out completely at the Kensington Book Fair last Saturday, where I had presented the already released paperback version.

Here is a review (from an Advance Review Copy) by Lorna Lee, author of “Never Turn Back” and “How Was I Supposed To Know”, to whet your apetite.

“This is the best kind of fiction—it’s based on the real life. Ludwika’s story highlights the magnitude of human suffering caused by WWII, transcending multiple generations and many nations.

WWII left no one unscarred, and Ludwika’s life illustrates this tragic fact. But she also reminds us how bright the human spirit can shine when darkness falls in that unrelenting way it does during wartime.

This book was a rollercoaster ride of action and emotion, skilfully told by Mr. Fischer, who brought something fresh and new to a topic about which thousands of stories have already been told.”

HERE ARE SOME MORE REVIEWS:

Couldn’t stop reading this, December 14, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany by Christoph Fischer starts with an introduction to the story’s protagonist, Ludwika Gierz, a 4 foot-ten inches, 22 year-old, beautiful Polish woman with piercing blue eyes. Children like her because of her friendly disposition. She has a 5 year-old daughter Irena from a non-marital relationship she had years ago, after which the father of the child left town. The well-written prose starts with subtle undertones of what lies on the horizon and we know there will be danger: the German invasion and fleeing of the townspeople, including Ludwika’s father, who disappeared with the retreat of troops; and the fact that Ludwika’s looks, her beauty, was once an asset but now is a liability as it attracts brutish German soldiers. It is a time of war with Hitler’s regime moving in and taking over, which establishes the story’s tension and conflict. In her town in Poland, Ludwika works her farm with her younger sister and mother. Siblings are mentioned, including her brother Franz who drowned in a river 2 years earlier, the memory still raw and painful. The story is off to a good start as we care about the protagonist and sense the danger that’s been alluded to. The story progresses and Ludwika encounters a Nazi soldier on the road who becomes attracted to her and protective of her, granting her rights others do not have. As Jews are being hauled off and the elderly assassinated, Ludwika is learning German from the translator that her “Nazi friend” has enlisted to help him. There’s now enough conflict in the story to propel it forward in this horrific time in history where madness prevailed. Without retelling this page turner suffice it to say that it goes deep and does not hold back as the plot moves through Ludwika’s drive to survive, and all the emotional turmoil, good and bad, that goes along with it. I’ve read several other books by this author and have to say that next to The Luck of the Weissensteiner’s this is my favorite.

Riveting page-turner, December 20, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

In this World War II novel, Ludwika Gierz, a young beautiful Polish woman, suffers the loss of all the men in her life. She is still in mourning of her brother, Franz, who has drowned two years earlier when her father goes missing in action in the beginning of the war. Her mother, her sister Stacia and her young daughter Irena are left to fend for themselves on the farm while the German invaders force their neighbours off their land. Manfred, a handsome SS German officer, falls in love with Ludwika and the family is allowed the special privilege of remaining in their own home on condition that she accompany him to Germany. She is forced to leave her family behind but she believes her sacrifice will guarantee their safety. Her decision begins her horrific journey of pain and suffering as she lives first hand the humiliation of being a young innocent woman at the mercy of cruel oppressors.Christoph Fischer’s historical novel, Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany is a riveting page-turner that presents human drama at its best.

Ludwika, December 16, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

Great to see Christoph Fischer, author of The Three Nations trilogy, back with another classic world war 2 story. This is probably his tightest, best work yet. It’s intense and cinematic. Fans of world war two dramas will eat this one up. Well done!

*****

“Ludwika” is another suspenseful historical novel written by Christoph Fischer. It’s a unique story about a Polish woman in Germany during World War II. The author has the keen ability to reach you no matter what topic he is writing about. There is a great sense of urgency to tell the tales. This one is no exception. This might be what he does best though his other novels are all filled with a unique passion.

This is an emotional narrative that pulls on your heartstrings. Realistic and entirely gripping throughout. Not at all what I expected but once started I was hooked. Lured in by the comfortable writing style and the ease in which Lidwika’s story is told. Mr. Fischer manages to share a different angle of world war II and this specific period in time which makes for a deeply compelling read.

To know that this is based on Ludwika Gierz’s true-life events made it that much more enthralling. Her adventures, her choices and the choices that many people have lived through was told with grace and finesse. A real life force.

As sad as this tale is, there is also hope, inspiration and a spirit that sores high in the sky.

Quote ~

Ludwika hated the rollercoaster of emotions that followed. Her hopes for complete security and stability were raised again but it also brought with it the fear that they would be smashed. In the past, the moments when she dared to dream of a better life for her and her family at home had always been followed by disappointment and disillusionment. She didn’t want that to happen once again…”

*****

Authentic, December 18, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

This is an emotional thought-provoking World War II drama that is filled with tension and well-researched authentic scenes that convey images, which are powerful and profound. “Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany” by Christoph Fischer is all the more riveting because it is based on actual events. Fischer is an accomplished author of historical fiction and this book surpasses his earlier work. “Ludwika” is the type of read which is impossible to forget. I remember the question she is asked “Are you Jewish?” The implications of those three words innocent words became chilling during World War II – the consequences were inescapable and, of course, the outcome depended on who was doing the asking . . . Highly recommended. Five stars.

I was contacted by Ludwika’s family to help them with their ancestry research. I learned a lot about the woman through contact with her children and through the documents my sister and I came across. My sister suggested I could make this into a novel but I was not convinced. Re-telling a life story seemed like painting by numbers.

The tragedy of Ludwika’s life, however, stuck with me the longer I engaged with it. The gaps in our knowledge about her life continued to bother me and eventually I felt the story within the story.

You could say I fell in love with a woman so devoted to her children and so full of determination.

What is the tragedy of Ludwika’s life?

Ludwika was one of many Eastern Europeans uprooted by Hitler’s and Stalin’s policies. She was taken from her home and forced to work in Germany all through the war. She was separated from her loved ones and lived in constant fear; the end of the war then brought some more tough choices for her.

While many argue that these so-called Ostarbeiters were lucky (since they were neither Jewish, nor interned in Auschwitz), their lives were destroyed by what happened to them. Poland is a victim of the war, too. Even though its fate pales in comparison to others, this isn’t really a contest. There are some heart-breaking stories to be shared.

What are the gaps in your knowledge about Ludwika?

Without ruining the reading experience and giving away what is ‘entertaining plot’, documents and Red Cross Research have confirmed Ludwika’s location at different times. How she ended up there hasn’t always been possible to determine. There are also some family secrets that Ludwika chose not to share with her children before her untimely death.

What is your aim with this novel?

I want to share the story of a remarkable and courageous woman, to honour her and those who have suffered badly throughout and after WW2. Many of their hardships are often belittled or even denied, which is a disgrace.

Most of all, however, I hope that people who knew Ludwika in Poland or Germany are still alive and can connect with her descendants. The family have lost touch with Ludwika’s Polish relatives and would like to re-connect. They would also love to meet people who shared Ludwika’s fate in Germany, either where she worked or where she stayed after the war was over.

Please tell us about the book.

It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi

Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Please share an Editorial Review with us:

“This is the best kind of fiction—it’s based on the real life. Ludwika’s story highlights the magnitude of human suffering caused by WWII, transcending multiple generations and many nations.

WWII left no one unscarred, and Ludwika’s life illustrates this tragic fact. But she also reminds us how bright the human spirit can shine when darkness falls in that unrelenting way it does during wartime.

This book was a rollercoaster ride of action and emotion, skilfully told by Mr. Fischer, who brought something fresh and new to a topic about which thousands of stories have already been told.”

made it to No. 19

Thank you all who voted for it.

Thanks again!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas / Holiday Season – if you’re celebrating – and All the Best for 2016!

And here are some wonderful reviews for my new novel, Ludwika:

Couldn’t stop reading this, December 14, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany by Christoph Fischer starts with an introduction to the story’s protagonist, Ludwika Gierz, a 4 foot-ten inches, 22 year-old, beautiful Polish woman with piercing blue eyes. Children like her because of her friendly disposition. She has a 5 year-old daughter Irena from a non-marital relationship she had years ago, after which the father of the child left town. The well-written prose starts with subtle undertones of what lies on the horizon and we know there will be danger: the German invasion and fleeing of the townspeople, including Ludwika’s father, who disappeared with the retreat of troops; and the fact that Ludwika’s looks, her beauty, was once an asset but now is a liability as it attracts brutish German soldiers. It is a time of war with Hitler’s regime moving in and taking over, which establishes the story’s tension and conflict. In her town in Poland, Ludwika works her farm with her younger sister and mother. Siblings are mentioned, including her brother Franz who drowned in a river 2 years earlier, the memory still raw and painful. The story is off to a good start as we care about the protagonist and sense the danger that’s been alluded to. The story progresses and Ludwika encounters a Nazi soldier on the road who becomes attracted to her and protective of her, granting her rights others do not have. As Jews are being hauled off and the elderly assassinated, Ludwika is learning German from the translator that her “Nazi friend” has enlisted to help him. There’s now enough conflict in the story to propel it forward in this horrific time in history where madness prevailed. Without retelling this page turner suffice it to say that it goes deep and does not hold back as the plot moves through Ludwika’s drive to survive, and all the emotional turmoil, good and bad, that goes along with it. I’ve read several other books by this author and have to say that next to The Luck of the Weissensteiner’s this is my favorite.

Riveting page-turner, December 20, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

In this World War II novel, Ludwika Gierz, a young beautiful Polish woman, suffers the loss of all the men in her life. She is still in mourning of her brother, Franz, who has drowned two years earlier when her father goes missing in action in the beginning of the war. Her mother, her sister Stacia and her young daughter Irena are left to fend for themselves on the farm while the German invaders force their neighbours off their land. Manfred, a handsome SS German officer, falls in love with Ludwika and the family is allowed the special privilege of remaining in their own home on condition that she accompany him to Germany. She is forced to leave her family behind but she believes her sacrifice will guarantee their safety. Her decision begins her horrific journey of pain and suffering as she lives first hand the humiliation of being a young innocent woman at the mercy of cruel oppressors.Christoph Fischer’s historical novel, Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany is a riveting page-turner that presents human drama at its best.

Ludwika, December 16, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

Great to see Christoph Fischer, author of The Three Nations trilogy, back with another classic world war 2 story. This is probably his tightest, best work yet. It’s intense and cinematic. Fans of world war two dramas will eat this one up. Well done!

I’m delighted to share the first reviews for my new novel Ludwika:

Couldn’t stop reading this, December 14, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany by Christoph Fischer starts with an introduction to the story’s protagonist, Ludwika Gierz, a 4 foot-ten inches, 22 year-old, beautiful Polish woman with piercing blue eyes. Children like her because of her friendly disposition. She has a 5 year-old daughter Irena from a non-marital relationship she had years ago, after which the father of the child left town. The well-written prose starts with subtle undertones of what lies on the horizon and we know there will be danger: the German invasion and fleeing of the townspeople, including Ludwika’s father, who disappeared with the retreat of troops; and the fact that Ludwika’s looks, her beauty, was once an asset but now is a liability as it attracts brutish German soldiers. It is a time of war with Hitler’s regime moving in and taking over, which establishes the story’s tension and conflict. In her town in Poland, Ludwika works her farm with her younger sister and mother. Siblings are mentioned, including her brother Franz who drowned in a river 2 years earlier, the memory still raw and painful. The story is off to a good start as we care about the protagonist and sense the danger that’s been alluded to. The story progresses and Ludwika encounters a Nazi soldier on the road who becomes attracted to her and protective of her, granting her rights others do not have. As Jews are being hauled off and the elderly assassinated, Ludwika is learning German from the translator that her “Nazi friend” has enlisted to help him. There’s now enough conflict in the story to propel it forward in this horrific time in history where madness prevailed. Without retelling this page turner suffice it to say that it goes deep and does not hold back as the plot moves through Ludwika’s drive to survive, and all the emotional turmoil, good and bad, that goes along with it. I’ve read several other books by this author and have to say that next to The Luck of the Weissensteiner’s this is my favorite.

Ludwika, December 16, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

Great to see Christoph Fischer, author of The Three Nations trilogy, back with another classic world war 2 story. This is probably his tightest, best work yet. It’s intense and cinematic. Fans of world war two dramas will eat this one up. Well done!

*****

“Ludwika” is another suspenseful historical novel written by Christoph Fischer. It’s a unique story about a Polish woman in Germany during World War II. The author has the keen ability to reach you no matter what topic he is writing about. There is a great sense of urgency to tell the tales. This one is no exception. This might be what he does best though his other novels are all filled with a unique passion.

This is an emotional narrative that pulls on your heartstrings. Realistic and entirely gripping throughout. Not at all what I expected but once started I was hooked. Lured in by the comfortable writing style and the ease in which Lidwika’s story is told. Mr. Fischer manages to share a different angle of world war II and this specific period in time which makes for a deeply compelling read.

To know that this is based on Ludwika Gierz’s true-life events made it that much more enthralling. Her adventures, her choices and the choices that many people have lived through was told with grace and finesse. A real life force.

As sad as this tale is, there is also hope, inspiration and a spirit that sores high in the sky.

Quote ~

Ludwika hated the rollercoaster of emotions that followed. Her hopes for complete security and stability were raised again but it also brought with it the fear that they would be smashed. In the past, the moments when she dared to dream of a better life for her and her family at home had always been followed by disappointment and disillusionment. She didn’t want that to happen once again…”

*****

Authentic, December 18, 2015

This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition)

This is an emotional thought-provoking World War II drama that is filled with tension and well-researched authentic scenes that convey images, which are powerful and profound. “Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany” by Christoph Fischer is all the more riveting because it is based on actual events. Fischer is an accomplished author of historical fiction and this book surpasses his earlier work. “Ludwika” is the type of read which is impossible to forget. I remember the question she is asked “Are you Jewish?” The implications of those three words innocent words became chilling during World War II – the consequences were inescapable and, of course, the outcome depended on who was doing the asking . . . Highly recommended. Five stars.

Ludwika is a book of true depth and one would expect nothing less from this outstanding author. If you have read the other Fischer novels, you willl understand the quality of the writing delivered.

Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany takes you to a time of heartache, human emotion and feelings almost beyond comprehension.

Truely a novel of substance 5*****

Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Find it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LudwikaNovel/

and on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28111001-ludwika

I’m extremely hopeful for this book: It has done better than all my previous books in pre-sales and it surprisingly sold out completely at the Kensington Book Fair last Saturday, where I had presented the already released paperback version.

(I will write more about the Book Fair later this week.)

Here is a review (from an Advance Review Copy) by Lorna Lee, author of “Never Turn Back” and “How Was I Supposed To Know”, to whet your apetite.

“This is the best kind of fiction—it’s based on the real life. Ludwika’s story highlights the magnitude of human suffering caused by WWII, transcending multiple generations and many nations.

WWII left no one unscarred, and Ludwika’s life illustrates this tragic fact. But she also reminds us how bright the human spirit can shine when darkness falls in that unrelenting way it does during wartime.

This book was a rollercoaster ride of action and emotion, skilfully told by Mr. Fischer, who brought something fresh and new to a topic about which thousands of stories have already been told.”

Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Ludwika and her sister began harvesting the wheat. It was exhausting having to do such a big field only with scythes but it was the best that they could do. They had seen Karol Wojick, one of the neighbouring farmers hide parts of his machinery in a shed in the woods before he had joined the defence. Many of those who had decided to flee the invasion had taken as much of their valuables with them as possible and hidden the rest in the hope of retrieving it later. This had created a shortage of materiel and, coupled with the manpower shortage, made the farming work so much harder.“We’ll never get it all to safety like this,” Stasia said, looking with frustration at her scythe and throwing it on the ground. “If the rain comes it will all go to waste.”Ludwika understood.“Keep your heart up,” she said. “Look what we’ve managed already. We can be proud.” She pointed at the wheat they had cut.“We need to get it off the field, too,” Stasia added, close to tears.“Don’t worry,” Ludwika said, trying to stay optimistic. Her sister was right, though. Something needed to be done soon. AS much as she tried, though, she couldn’t come up with any good solution. Then it hit her – the farm equipment Karol Wojick had hidden in the woods.“I’ve got an idea,” she said and told Stasia what it was.“You’re crossing a line,” Stasia warned her when she heard the plan. Her voice, however, carried more admiration for Ludwika’s bravery than gloom or worry.“Sooner or later the szkopy will find the shed and take away what’s in it,” Ludwika replied defiant.Stasia giggled at her sister using such a bad word for the Germans. Even though they were alone, she looked carefully around to see if any of the ‘castrated rams’ could hear them.“Better it got to some use before then,” Ludwika said, serious despite the joke.“We promised mother not to take any risks,” Stasia said, although her warning sounded half-hearted.“You know I have to do it,” Ludwika said and Stasia nodded. “There is so much wheat,” Ludwika pointed out. “We can’t let it go to waste. We’ve got no alternative. Collecting it by hand would take too long; and you said yourself that the next rain will ruin it all. We have no choice and the Wojicks aren’t using it, are they?”Stasia grabbed the scythe and bent down to cut more wheat.“I’ll be waiting for you with the bushels,” she said.Stasia was always so full of energy and optimism and Ludwika was grateful that the brief moment of weakness had been overcome.“Be careful,” her sister added without turning around. “We all need you.”“I will,” Ludwika replied.It hadn’t been difficult to break the lock of Wojick’s shed and even less difficult to get an old tractor going that she found there. Her brother Franz had borrowed it often in the past. He had drowned in the river two years ago. The memory of his passing still stung Ludwicka; she missed him more than ever. But thanks to watching him closely when he used the tractor, she would be able to bring the bushels off the field and into the safety of their family farm.Ludwika’s dark curly hair kept falling into her face as she steered the out of the woods and onto the open road. She had lost her hairband somewhere on the way and was struggling to keep a clear vision. For her this was a welcome distraction from the dangers that were looming and were foremost in her mind. That engine made a terrible noise; she worried over the attention it could bring. Would the ‘szkopy’ allow her drive on the road, she wondered? Would they confiscate the tractor if they saw her? Would they beat her as they had done with so many others for no good reason? Anything a Pole could do was automatically ‘verboten’, it seemed. If she was found, the Germans would understand, surely – the crop had to come in. It was already late in the season, since the war had delayed the harvest. What did the invaders intend to do about the harvest? They could not let the good food go to waste; didn’t they need provisions, too?She kept her eyes steadily on the road and tried not to think about the dangers.The Germans had not been seen around their tiny village for a few days, which had encouraged Ludwika to go ahead with this risky enterprise on her own.

At a height of 4 foot 10, with piercing blue eyes, an attractive bone structure and a curvy figure, Ludwika turned many a head. Her beauty, once an asset, had attracted the wrong kind of attention from the brutish soldiers. She wished for her hair band now that would help distract from her features.The roads into the village were deserted, only some women were digging for potatoes in the neighbouring field. Przedborów had no defined village centre or a market square, most houses being small farm buildings, made of stone with simple tiled roofs or just wood, surrounded by sheds, stalls, orchards and small woods. It was difficult to know what was going on behind the next farm. What was a quiet and peaceful atmosphere in the days before the invasion, now felt eerie. The women in the field were visibly relieved when they saw that the engine noise they heard was coming from Ludwika’s tractor and not a German tank. Soon she would join Stasia on the wheat field. Ludwika hadn’t felt comfortable leaving her sister alone but today it was unavoidable. For a 17 year old, Stasia was mature in looks, and very pretty. Ludwika feared this would make her a target for passing soldiers. Stasia was also overconfident and loud and likely to do something hasty. It was a constant worry for her family.Still, Ludwika wouldn’t know what she would do without her little sister. They supported each other in this frightening time and kept each other’s spirit up. They refused to believe the rumours that all Polish people would be deported from their properties and that their land and livestock be given to German settlers. With so many empty houses and farms around, the Germans couldn’t possibly have enough workers to take them all over? Surely the Poles who had stayed behind and hadn’t been deported would be left their possessions. Ludwika couldn’t imagine this ‘cleansing’ to happen as many feared. Regardless of how shockingly violent the force used by the occupiers had been so far, things had to calm down and sense had to prevail. All bad things would come to pass and might even return near to normal. Whenever their mother believed those rumours and got herself worked up, the sisters had each other to put things into perspective and keep calm.Today’s desertion of the village was due to another one of those rumours. Further in the north, Germans were allegedly clearing entire villages and forcing the inhabitants to march east. The more hysterical reports even claimed that people were being led into the woods and killed by machine-gun fire. Others told stories of children being taken from their parents, allegedly to be given to childless couples in Germany. Who had heard of such cruelty?Seeing other Polish farmers showed Ludwika that she was not the only one who believed the stories to be exaggerations and scare mongering. She was almost at her field and could see Stasia waving at her when she heard the sound of a motorbike behind her. On it sat a German soldier who waved at her to get to the side of the road. She pulled over, expecting him to step down and talk but he gestured her to get off the road altogether. She only had a few yards to the next crossing, behind which lay the exit to her field. When she tried driving on the man blocked her way and pulled out a gun. She ducked and lost control of the vehicle, which now swerved into the ditch by the road. The man put the gun away and mounted the tractor, pulling her roughly off it. She pointed at her field repeatedly, hoping he would understand. She didn’t speak any German. She pointed at herself and said “Ludwika” and then pointed at the field and said “Ludwika.” He finally got it and drove the tractor out of the ditch for her and onto the field as she had intended to do herself. She ran after him and managed to catch up with the tractor as he stepped down. He pointed at himself and said “Manfred”, he bowed, then did the Hitler salute and went quickly back to his motorbike. Not a minute too soon as it turned out. He only had got back on the bike and started driving when a convoy of army vehicles came up behind him and rolled past the field into the village.Their sudden appearance was a worry.

Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Review (from an Advance Review Copy) by Lorna Lee, author of “Never Turn Back” and “How Was I Supposed To Know”:

“This is the best kind of fiction—it’s based on the real life. Ludwika’s story highlights the magnitude of human suffering caused by WWII, transcending multiple generations and many nations.

WWII left no one unscarred, and Ludwika’s life illustrates this tragic fact. But she also reminds us how bright the human spirit can shine when darkness falls in that unrelenting way it does during wartime.

This book was a rollercoaster ride of action and emotion, skilfully told by Mr. Fischer, who brought something fresh and new to a topic about which thousands of stories have already been told.”

My new novel Ludwika chronicles the life of a Polish woman from Przedborów working in Germany during WW2.

The book was inspired by a real story. ‘Ludwika’s family asked for my assistance in their ancestry research because I speak German and might be of use to find out more about their mother’s time in Germany. One of my other books, “The Luck of the Weissensteiners”, touches upon similar issues of Displaced People in Germany after WW2.

With strong support from my sister, who still lives in Germany, I spent several months gathering data and contacts. I was fascinated by the subject and re-read a lot of the books and sources and then decided to fictionalise Ludwika’s life.

I think it will be more rewarding and powerful a reading experience for you to find out after you have finished the novel how much of the story is true and what is fiction, so I will not disclose more specifics here.

However, if you know of people with similar fates, still alive, show them the book. This is a picture of Ludwika, taken by the Germans ca 1944.

Her family wants to connect with relatives who might still alive in Poland and who may have known her during the war. There are still some gaps in their understanding of what has happened to Ludwika in Germany.

People in extreme situations, like during WW2, had to make incredibly tough choices. There was no logic, guarantees or protection from the madness that raged at the time. So much bravery and hardship remains to be told and understood. By telling this story I hope to help fester humanitarian values.

I have ARC copies in pdf and mobi

Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen in a world where one wrong word could spell disaster and every day could be her last. Based on real events, this is a story of hope amid despair, of love amid loss . . . ultimately, it’s one woman’s story of survival.

Review (from an Advance Review Copy) by Lorna Lee, author of “Never Turn Back” and “How Was I Supposed To Know”:

“This is the best kind of fiction—it’s based on the real life. Ludwika’s story highlights the magnitude of human suffering caused by WWII, transcending multiple generations and many nations.

WWII left no one unscarred, and Ludwika’s life illustrates this tragic fact. But she also reminds us how bright the human spirit can shine when darkness falls in that unrelenting way it does during wartime.

This book was a rollercoaster ride of action and emotion, skilfully told by Mr. Fischer, who brought something fresh and new to a topic about which thousands of stories have already been told.”

The mother still looked a little suspicious at Ludwika but as soon as the train had started she ran towards the toilet with Martin, the oldest of her boys. He had soiled himself by now, unable to wait and she had to clean him up and put some fresh clothes on. Ludwika smiled at the obedience to rules the young mother had demonstrated by not going to the bathroom, even though it was a child emergency. It occurred to her that from now on she would probably have to conform to the same bureaucracy and strictness.

By the time mother and son returned Ludwika had already made good friends with the remaining three, who were busy teaching her more German nursery rhymes. Martin, the young boy in new clothes, also joined in. The woman watched in awe as her children were completely taken in by Ludwika, almost oblivious to their mother. Once the inspector had seen and validated all of their tickets, the German woman took out a book and read. Ludwika froze when she saw that it was a book written by Adolf Hitler himself.

She heard her father’s encouragement in her head to keep going and not to worry about anything before there was a need for it. It was true, the woman would mean her no harm, not while Ludwika was taking care of the children.

After the singing had stopped the children told her about their grandparents’ big villa by the Alster in Hamburg and how they looked forward to eating ice cream at its shore. The mother had obviously decided to leave her to it and only occasionally spared a glance around the compartment, the rest of the time her head was turned towards the window and deep into her book. Undeterred, Ludwika was grateful for the children’s company and the happiness it brought her. The oldest boy, he looked about six, asked her to read them a story from their book and she happily obliged. It would be good practice for her. She found it very difficult, however, and the children didn’t seem to understand her renditions of a German folk tale.

The mother put her book down now and took the seat beside Ludwika.

“Don’t give up so easily,” she said. Ludwika couldn’t make out if the woman was scolding her or meant to encourage her. The tone was harsh but the face seemed benign.

Ludwika started a different fairy tale, and every time she mispronounced a word the woman would step in and correct her with surprising patience, while one by one the children fell asleep in their seats.

“You’re not bad at all for a foreigner,” the woman whispered. “Your German will get better over time. Don’t lose heart and keep going, then it will become easier and soon take care of itself.”

She looked her up and down.

“Where are you from, Ludwika?”

“Poland,” she replied, a little nervous.

“I know that, but which city?” the mother asked.

“Near Breslau,” Ludwika decided on.

“Are you Jewish?”

Ludwika jerked and shook her head vehemently.

“No,” she said quickly.

“Then I’ve got to thank you,” the mother replied, relieved. “My name is Irmingard. Irmingard Danner. You saved my life by giving me those two precious hours to read.” She looked towards the door and then she added in a low voice, so that nobody could hear: “My husband Erich has been hassling me to read that Hitler book for weeks now. My father-in-law works for the publishers and is a big shot in the party, too. He’s bound to ask me questions about it. I can’t make myself read the damn thing. Don’t you, too, find politics is so boring? As hard as I try, after ten minutes I can’t remember what I’ve read earlier. Today was the first time I could concentrate and I will be able to say at least a few intelligent things about it and do my husband proud.”

Categories

Recent Reviews:

Celebrations are in order. I’m now the proud owner of a Reader’s Favorite 5 Star Seal! https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/ludwika “LudwikaA Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany” by Christoph Fischer Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany is an historical novel written by Christoph Fischer. The […]

I’m delighted to share the first reviews for my new novel Ludwika: Couldn’t stop reading this, December 14, 2015 This review is from: Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany (Kindle Edition) Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany by Christoph Fischer starts with an introduction to […]

“Ludwika: A Polish Woman’s Struggle To Survive In Nazi Germany” has been released today Blurb: It’s World War II and Ludwika Gierz, a young Polish woman, is forced to leave her family and go to Nazi Germany to work for an SS officer. There, she must walk a tightrope, learning to live as a second-class citizen […]